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Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur
The history of agricultural education in Kerala can be traced back to the year 1896 when a scheme was evolved in the erstwhile Travancore State to train a few young men in scientific agriculture at the Demonstration Farm, Karamana, Thiruvananthapuram, presently, the Cropping Systems Research Centre under Kerala Agricultural University. Agriculture was introduced as an optional subject in the middle school classes in the State in 1922 when an Agricultural Middle School was started at Aluva, Ernakulam District. The popularity and usefulness of this school led to the starting of similar institutions at Kottarakkara and Konni in 1928 and 1931 respectively.
Agriculture was later introduced as an optional subject for Intermediate Course in 1953. In 1955, the erstwhile Government of Travancore-Cochin started the Agricultural College and Research Institute at Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram and the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences at Mannuthy, Thrissur for imparting higher education in agricultural and veterinary sciences, respectively. These institutions were brought under the direct administrative control of the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Animal Husbandry, respectively. With the formation of Kerala State in 1956, these two colleges were affiliated to the University of Kerala. The post-graduate programmes leading to M.Sc. (Ag), M.V.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees were started in 1961, 1962 and 1965 respectively.
On the recommendation of the Second National Education Commission (1964-66) headed by Dr. D.S. Kothari, the then Chairman of the University Grants Commission, one Agricultural University in each State was established. The State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) were established in India as an integral part of the National Agricultural Research System to give the much needed impetus to Agriculture Education and Research in the Country. As a result the Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) was established on 24th February 1971 by virtue of the Act 33 of 1971 and started functioning on 1st February 1972. The Kerala Agricultural University is the 15th in the series of the SAUs.
In accordance with the provisions of KAU Act of 1971, the Agricultural College and Research Institute at Vellayani, and the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, were brought under the Kerala Agricultural University. In addition, twenty one agricultural and animal husbandry research stations were also transferred to the KAU for taking up research and extension programmes on various crops, animals, birds, etc.
During 2011, Kerala Agricultural University was trifurcated into Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (KVASU), Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) and Kerala Agricultural University (KAU).
Now the University has seven colleges (four Agriculture, one Agricultural Engineering, one Forestry, one Co-operation Banking & Management), six RARSs, seven KVKs, 15 Research Stations and 16 Research and Extension Units under the faculties of Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering and Forestry. In addition, one Academy on Climate Change Adaptation and one Institute of Agricultural Technology offering M.Sc. (Integrated) Climate Change Adaptation and Diploma in Agricultural Sciences respectively are also functioning in Kerala Agricultural University.
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ThesisItem Open Access Evaluation of philodendrons for landscaping and interior plantscaping(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2014) Sadhana, K; KAU; Sudhadevi, P KStudies were undertaken in Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 2011-2013 to evaluate the philodendrons for landscaping and interior plantscaping. The study comprised of four experiments in which twenty-five species/varieties were selected for evaluation. Based on the growth habit, thirteen species/varieties were selected and their performance under different indoor light conditions was studied. Air Pollution Tolerance Index of all the species /varieties was computed and they were evaluated for their use as cut foliage. Twenty-five selected species/varieties of philodendrons were classified into two categories namely heading and climbing types based on their growth habit. Wide variation was observed in their growth characters. Among the heading types, Philodendron lacinatum‘Variegata’, Philodendron x Magnificum and Philodendron ‘Majesty’ were found to have maximum growth. In climbing types of philodendrons, Philodendron bipinnatifidum, Philodendron lacerum and Philodendron williamsii recorded maximum growth. Based on the growth habit, thirteen species/varieties of philodendrons were selected for evaluating their performance under five different indoor light zones viz., low (<800 lux), medium (800-2000 lux), high (>2000 lux), supplementary light without air condition (800-2000 lux) and supplementary light with air condition. It was found that most of the philodendrons could thrive well under supplementary light zone with and without air condition. Species/varieties like Philodendron x Magnificum, Philodendron ‘Black Prince’ and Philodendron ‘Majesty’ could be recommended for all the light intensities tried. Philodendron ‘Red Sunlight’ and Philodendron ‘Black Beauty’ could be recommended for areas with low light intensity. Plant quality rating of the philodendrons was done by visual scoring based on growth and fullness, color and pigmentation, suitability to indoor conditions and pest and diseases incidence. Based on this the selected philodendrons were classified into excellent, good, medium, low and not acceptable. It was observed that Philodendron ‘Majesty’ had the highest score and Philodendron 'Moonshine', the lowest. The Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) of philodendron species/varieties under the study was computed. Based on this, they were categorized into sensitive, intermediately tolerant, moderately tolerant and tolerant. It was observed that Philodendron ‘Majesty’ and Philodendron serratum had the highest APTI values and were tolerant to air pollution.xv Philodendron sagittifolium, Philodendron karstenianum, Philodendron x Magnificum, Philodendron wendlandii, Philodendron bipinnatifidum, Philodendron ‘Ceylon Gold’, Philodendron superbum and Philodendron ‘Smithi’ were found to be the most susceptible and they could be recommended as pollution indicator plants. Vase life and leaf characters are important for use of any foliage as cut foliage. Philodendron pertusum, Philodendron ‘Pluto Red’ and Philodendron ‘Black Prince’ are the species/varieties with longest vase life while Philodendron superbum, Philodendron ‘Moon Shine’, Philodendron williamsii are the species/varieties that had the shortest vase life. Based on the leaf characters like texture, color and pigmentation, shape and pattern and size, the leaves were visually scored for use as cut foliage and were classified into excellent, good, medium, low and not acceptable. Philodendron ‘Majesty’ and Philodendron ‘Pluto Red’ were found to possess the highest and lowest scores, respectively.ThesisItem Open Access Seed production potential dormancy and seed storage behaviour in sida spp.(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2014) Veeresh, Netekal; KAU; Alice, KurianThe study entitled “Seed production potential, dormancy and seed storage behaviour in Sida spp.” was undertaken at the Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 2012-2014. The study aimed to assess seed production potential and characterize dormancy in three Sida species (Sida alnifolia, Sida acuta and Sida cordifolia) and to standardize ideal pre-treatment for improving germination and to study seed storage behaviour in Sida alnifolia. Flowering and fruiting in Sida species was staggered and started four months after planting. Flowering and fruiting was earliest in Sida acuta and latest in Sida alnifolia. Maximum seed rain and seed production potential was exhibited by Sida acuta. The fruits and seeds were biggest in Sida cordifolia. Physical characterization of dormancy by analysis of seed coat thickness and embryo size of three species revealed that hard thick seed coat comprising endoderm, mesoderm, periderm and presence of thick corrugated impermeable cuticle was a major limiting factor restricting the exchange of water and gases. Acid scarification brought out reduction in all layers of the seed coat with maximum reduction in cuticle thickness. Upon storage, the total thickness of the seed coat and individual layers was slightly reduced but embryo area, perimeter and cuticle thickness increased slightly. The physiological conditions tried such as exposure of seeds to different temperatures, light and dark and exposure to stress by hydration and dehydration failed to promote germination in fresh seeds. Irrespective of the species, seeds whether fresh or stored, also failed to germinate without pre-treatment. Germination studies under field conditions indicated that seeds exposed to natural weathering showed a spontaneous response on receipt of rain and the germination was completed in ten days with highest germination (74.50 per cent) in Sida acuta followed by Sida alnifolia (67.50 per cent) and least in Sida cordifolia (42.50 per cent). Biochemical analysis of seeds revealed that species differed in the content of total extractives, total phenol and total alkaloid and Sida acuta recorded higher contents of total extractives and total alkaloid whereas total phenol content was higher in Sida alnifolia. Analysis of the seed leachates indicated species difference in the content of minerals and electrical conductivity. Sida acuta recorded the highest potassium and EC values. Among the eighteen pre-treatments tried for improving germination, chemical scarification using Conc. H2SO4 was significantly superior and recorded higher germination per cent and speed of germination. Untreated seeds failed to germinate. Scarification of seeds with Conc. H2SO4 for higher duration of 30 minutes was selected as the best treatment considering improvement in water imbibition, germination per cent, speed of germination, growth and vigour of seedling and significant reduction in the intensity of dormancy. Storage studies revealed that upon storage, germination, vigour of seedling and reduction in dormancy factors were at a positive side compared to fresh seeds. Storage of seeds under cooler atmosphere either refrigerator or freezer was found to improve the water imbibition, content of minerals, germination and vigour of seedling compared to ambient storage. The present investigations could thus establish that seeds of Sida species exhibit coat imposed dormancy and require two months of after ripening period, posing problems in germination. Pre-treatment of seeds with Conc. H2SO4 for 30 minutes is suggested to bring down dormancy and improve germination and vigour of seedlings. Exposing the seeds to natural weathering is a simple way of improving germination. The seeds can be effectively stored under cooler conditions in refrigerator / freezer for one year or longer which also lowered dormancy and improved germination and vigour of seedlings.ThesisItem Open Access Integrated nutrient management for heliconia (Heliconia angusta cv. Christmas Red)(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2014) Aryamba, T G; KAU; Sheela, V LThe present investigation on “Integrated nutrient management for heliconia” was carried out in the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2013-2014. Objective of the study was to standardize an integrated nutrient management schedule for heliconia for optimum flower yield and quality. The variety used for the present study was Heliconia angusta cv. Christmas Red. The treatments consisted of different combinations of heliconia mix, vermicompost, neem cake and PGPR mix-I with the basal application of FYM, bone meal and biofertilizers. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design consisting of nine treatments and four replications. The treatment T3 (Heliconia mix 2.5g +Vermicompost 200g + Neem cake100g) was found to be significantly superior in morphological characters (plant height, plant spread, number of leaves per plant, number of shoots, flower canopy height, leaf area, leaf area ratio and leaf area index), flower characters (length of inflorescence, length of spike, length of petiole, number of flower bracts, size of bract, flowers per bract, length of inflorescence stalk , vase life of inflorescence), leaf nitrogen content and soil available P (after the experiment). The lowest number of days taken for flowering was recorded in T6 (Vermicompost 400g + Neem cake 150g). The highest number of flowering shootsper year and the minimum number of days taken to first and fifty percent flowering was registered by T2 (Heliconia mix 2.5g + Vermicompost 150g+Neem cake 75g). The life of flower was observed to be highest for the treatment T8 (PGPR Mix-I + Vermicompost 150g + Neem cake 75g). The visual appeal of flowers were assessed based on four characters, among which T3 (Heliconia mix 2.5g + Vermicompost 200g + Neem cake100g) recorded highest value for colour development and bract arrangement and T8 (PGPR Mix-I + Vermicompost 150g + Neem cake 75g) recorded highest value for glossiness and general appearance of flower. The leaf P content was highest in T6 (Vermicompost 400g + Neem cake 150g) whereas T1 (Heliconia mix 2.5g + Vermicompost 100g + Neem cake50g) recorded the highest content of potassium and soil available organic carbon. The highest amount of soil available potassium before the experiment was recorded by T2 and after the experiment T9 registered the highest value. Highest benefit cost ratio was recorded in T3 (Heliconia mix 2.5g + Vermicompost 200g+Neem cake100g). The study revealed T3 (Heliconia mix 2.5g + Vermicompost 200g + Neem cake100g) as the best treatment in terms of growth characters, flowering characters and vase life studies followed by T8 (PGPR Mix-I + Vermicompost 150g + Neem cake 75g). Cultivars of heliconia differ greatly in size of plants as well as size of inflorescences. Heliconia angusta cv. Christmas Red used in this study was comparatively small sized cultivar. Further nutrient trials with large sized cultivars like Bihai and Carribea can be taken up considering the results obtained in the present study as a guideline.ThesisItem Open Access Process standardisation and varietal screening for osmodehydration in mango (Mangifera indica L)(Department of Processing Technology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2014) Reshma, Ramakrishnan; KAU; Sheela, K BThe study on “Process standardisation and varietal screening for osmodehydration in mango (Mangifera indica.L)” was undertaken at the Department of Processing Technology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 2011-13. The main objectives were to standardise the process variables for osmodehydration in mango and to evaluate varietal suitability and storage stability of the product. The temperature and concentration of osmotic solution, duration of immersion and fruit to solution ratio for osmodehydration in mango were standardised. Local mango variety „Muvandan‟ was selected for the process standardisation. Sugar was used as the osmotic agent. The temperatures of the osmotic solution tried were ambient, 20°C, 30°C and 40°C. Concentration of sugar solution and duration of immersion were 50°Brix and 6 hours respectively. The highest values for dry weight (56.83 g), weight loss (17.38%), water loss (24.97%), solid gain (7.59%) and TSS (40.6°Brix) were recorded when osmodehydration was carried out at 40°C. Highest scores for sensory attributes were also recorded for this treatment. The effect of four concentrations of sugar solution (40, 50, 60 and 70◦Brix) and five durations of immersion (4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 hours) on mass transfer and sensory attributes were studied. T20 (immersion in 70°Brix sugar solution for12 hours) registered highest values for weight loss (17.84%), water loss (28.56%), solid gain (10.72%), TSS (68.5°Brix) and sensory attributes. The fruit to solution ratio was standardised by comparing different ratios of fruit sample and osmotic solution. Fruit to solution ratio of 1:2 was found to be the most ideal for osmodehydration with highest dry weight (64.97g), weight loss (19.91%), water loss (31.02%) and solid gain per cent (11.11%). The maximum TSS (63.1°Brix) was also recorded for this treatment. Increase in fruit to solution ratio beyond this level resulted in decrease in dry weight, weight loss, solid gain per cent and TSS. Maximum scores for all of the sensory attributes was recorded in 1:2 fruit to solution ratio. Eight varieties of mango viz. Priyur, Muvandan, Neelum, Bangalora, Bennet Alphonso, Ratna, Banganapalli and Vellaikolumban were evaluated for their feasibility for osmodehydration. Osmodehydrated mango was prepared by the method standardised in the first experiment. Among the varieties of mango evaluated, Ratna was found to be the most suitable for osmodehydration. Highest values for TSS (73.4°Brix), β-carotene (5463 μg/100g) and sensory attributes were recorded for the osmodehydrated product prepared from this variety. The effect of different packaging materials (200 gauge polyethylene cover, metalized polyester cover, PE aluminium foil laminated cover and rigid plastic container) and methods of packaging (vacuum packaging in PE cover, nitrogen flushing in PE cover) on biochemical constituents, sensory attributes and microbial count during storage was studied. Significant variation was not observed in chemical constituents during storage. Highest values for all biochemical constituents except β-carotene was observed in samples packaged in PE aluminium foil laminated cover. Vacuum packaged samples and aluminium foil laminated packed samples recorded the lowest microbial load. Highest population of microorganisms was recorded in 200 gauge polyethylene cover throughout the period of storage. The mean ranks for appearance, colour, taste, odour and overallThesisItem Open Access Postharvest management studies in pineapple (Ananas comosus L) Merr.)(Department of Processing Technology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2014) Reshma, K M; KAU; Meagle, Joseph P (Guide)The investigation on ‘Postharvest management studies in pineapple (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.)” was carried out at the Department of Processing Technology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, Thrissur, Kerala during 2011- 2013. The physiological and biochemical changes during storage of pineapple fruits harvested with and without peduncle at four stages of maturity were recorded. The maturity stages were mature green, 0-25% eye colour yellow, 25-50% eye colour yellow, 50-100% eye colour yellow. When the fruits were harvested at green mature stage, the physiological loss in weight (PLW) was highest. Maximum shelf life (13 days) and least incidence of spoilage were observed when fruits were harvested with peduncle and 25 % of eyes changed the colour to yellow. Hence it was used for storage studies. However, better biochemical characters were recorded in fruits harvested when more than 50 % eyes changed its colour to yellow. There was an increasing trend for TSS during storage of fruits at all maturity stages, where as acidity was found to decrease. Different storage methods like heaping and covering with silpaulin (150 GSM), stacking fruits vertically with crown downwards, stacking fruits vertically with crown upwards and storing in paper cartons were carried out and the fruits stacked vertically with crown down was found to have longest shelf life (13 days), highest TSS (18.17°brix), sugar (12.44%) and good sensory quality. The crown provided a cushioning effect to the fruits and prevented bruising and damage thereby contributing to the quality. The effect of different postharvest treatments on enhancing the shelf life and reducing microbial load on pineapple fruits was studied. Among the different treatments, hot water dip treatment was found to be effective in reducing PLW. The hot water dip treatment was also effective in reducing the total microbial load in the fruit compared to all other treatments followed by alum treatment. The maximum shelf life (14.5 days) was recorded for fruits treated with hot water and minimum shelf life (13 days) was observed when fruits were not given any treatments. Hot water dipped fruits were stored at different temperatures viz.,8±2°C, 14±2° C, 20±2° C, 26±2° C and ambient condition and were evaluated for physical, biochemical and sensory characters. The fruits stored at 8±2°C were having highestThesisItem Open Access Agrotechniques for including plagiotrops in black pepper (piper nigrum L)(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2014) Ramnarace, Sukhna; KAU; Sujatha, V SThe investigations on “Agrotechniques for inducing plagiotrops in black pepper (Piper nigrum L.)” were conducted under three experiments at the pepper research unit attached to the Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University Main Campus, Vellanikkara during 2012-2014. The first experiment was carried out with an objective to elucidate the effects of treatments T1 - IBA 1000 ppm, T2 - cow dung slurry, T3 - tender coconut water, T4 - two per cent sugar and T5 - charcoal paste in enhancing sprouting and root characters in two to three node semi hard wood orthotropic and runner shoots. The effect of different treatments on sprouting was varying in different months. The minimum time recorded from planting to initiation of sprouting in orthotrops and runners was 17 days. Maximum sprouting was observed on 21 and 28 days after planting in runners and orthotrops respectively. There was no significant difference among the treatments with respect to the length of primary roots, number of secondary roots/ plant, weight of roots (g), volume of roots (ml) and number of leaves/ plant in runners and orthotrops. The second experiment was aimed at evaluating rooted orthotrops and runners in the field. Three months old rooted orthotrops and runners planted in the field showed that the height at which first lateral was produced was much lowered in orthotrops than runners. However plant spread was better in runners. The third experiment was conducted to study the influence of pruning, tipping and lowering on the growth of black pepper. Pruning carried out six months after planting showed that unpruned plants produced more number of orthotropic shoots in both Panniyur 1 and 2. Pruning at ten months after planting did not have significant effect on the number of orthotropic shoots produced both in Panniyur 1 and Panniyur 2. When pruning was done six months and ten months after planting, the height at which first lateral was produced was much lower in pruned plants compared to the unpruned plants. Tipping immediately after planting had a negative effect on the number of orthotropic shoot produced and plant spread. However, the height at which first lateral was produced was lower in tipped plants compared to the untipped plants but the difference was not significant. When tipping was carried out three months after planting there was significant lowering of height at production of first lateral but plant spread was more in untipped plants. Lowering had significant positive effect on number of orthotropic shoots produced and plant spread in both Panniyur 1 and Panniyur 2.ThesisItem Open Access Fertigation and mulching studies in yard long bean (Vigna unguiculata var-sesquipedalis (L.) verdcourt)(Department of Olericulture, College of horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2014) Mahasuma, Puthuppalli; KAU; Salikutty, JosephThe investigations on ‘Fertigation and mulching studies in yard long bean (Vigna unguiculata var. sesquipedalis (L.) Verdcourt)’ were carried out in the Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during January –May 2014. The study was conducted in the yard long bean variety Vellayani Jyothika to standardize the fertigation requirement and to assess the relative efficacy of fertigation and mulching over the conventional method. The experiment was laid out in strip plot design with two replications. There was a total of 17 treatments consisting of combinations of two irrigation levels (60 and 80 per cent pan evaporation (Ep) through drip irrigation) and four fertilizer levels (75, 100 and 125 per cent recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) and 100 per cent RDF with water soluble fertilizer) with and without mulching and a control treatment (channel irrigation once in three days with 100 per cent RDF). The study revealed that irrigation, mulching and fertilizer levels had significant effect on vine length. Scheduling of irrigation at 80 per cent Ep resulted in significantly higher vine length. At higher levels of irrigation (80 per cent Ep) yield and number of pods per plant were higher whereas, length and weight of pods, and number of seeds per pod were not influenced by the levels of irrigation. Mulching significantly influenced yield and yield attributing characters like number of pods per plant, and length and weight of pods but had no influence on number of seeds per pod and protein content of pods. Plants receiving 125 per cent RDF resulted in significantly higher yield and yield attributing characters like number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, length and weight of pods compared to 75 and 100 per cent RDF. Per se and interaction effects of irrigation, mulching and fertilizer were not significant with respect to days to first flowering, first fruit set, first harvest, days from flowering to harvest, number of harvests, duration of the crop and protein content. Weed growth in terms of fresh and dry weight was not influenced by levels of irrigation while mulched plots recorded significantly lower weed growth than the unmulched plots. Among the fertilizer levels, 125 per cent RDF resulted in higher weed growth. Organic carbon content, available nitrogen, available phosphorus and available potassium on 45 DAS and at final harvest were the highest in treatments receiving 125 per cent RDF whereas, the highest pH and the lowest EC were recorded in 75 per cent RDF. Interactions between levels of irrigation, mulching and fertilizer when considered together, had significant effect on vine length, all yield attributes, weed growth and all soil parameters. The vine length, yield, yield attributes like length and weight of pods and soil nutrients were the highest when irrigation was given at 80 percent Ep along with mulching and 125 per cent RDF (I1M1F3). This was statistically on par with the treatment I2M1F3 in which irrigation was limited to 60 per cent Ep. An increase of 3.4 times was there in yield in the treatments I1M1F3 and I2M1F3 over conventional channel irrigation at 3 days interval with 100 per cent RDF (control). The highest BC ratio of 1.83 was obtained for the treatments I1M1F3 and I2M1F3 (60 and 80 per cent Ep with mulching, 125 per cent RDF). Irrigation at 60 or 80 per cent Ep along with 125 per cent RDF and mulching with white on black polythene was found to be the best treatments.ThesisItem Open Access Nutrient management in organic farming of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)(Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2014) Rasmi, Krishnan V; KAU; Usha, K EA study on “ Nutrient management in organic farming of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) was carried out in the Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 2012-2013. The experiment consisted of 13 treatments including different combinations of organic manures and supplements, package of practices recommendation by KAU, inorganics alone and control to develop a nutrient management strategy in organic farming of cucumber. The variety AAUC-2 was used for the study. The organic manures viz., FYM, poultry manure, vermi compost, neem cake and liquid organic manures viz., Beejamrutham, Jeevamrutham, Panchagavyam and fish amino acid were the sources of nutrients. All the treatments receiving FYM as basal dose along with seed treatment with azospirillum, phosphate solubilizing bacteria and Pseudomonas have shown early germination and seedling vigour. Growth parameters like length of vine, number of leaves, number of branches were significantly influenced by the treatments. The treatment receiving poultry manure + N P K recorded the maximum vine length on 45 DAS followed by poultry manure + Beejamrutham + Jeevamrutham + mulching. Highest number of leaves was produced by poultry manure +fish amino acid treated plants followed by poultry manure + panchagavyam treated ones. The number of branches was also significantly higher in poultry manure + fish amino acid treated plots. The LAI was significantly higher in poultry manure + panchagavyam treated plants. The flowering was early as 27 DAS in the treatment receiving poultry manure + fish amino acid against 38 days in N P K alone treatment and 47 days in the absolute control. The fruits could be harvested from the treatment receiving poultry manure + fish amino acid on 35 DAS followed by that receiving poultry manure + beejamrutham + jeevamrutham + mulching. Yield and yield attributes like number of fruits per plant, mean fruit weight were also significantly influenced by the application of different organic manures. Highest number of fruits/plant and weight of fruits were observed in Adhoc Package of practices. Highest yield of 53.94 t ha-1 was recorded in plots receiving Adhoc package of practices recommendations by KAU (Organic farming) which was 5.5 t more than the present package of practices recommendations by KAU. The total productive period of the crop was higher in organically treated plots. The period extended up to 98 days in the treatment receiving poultry manure + fish amino acid as against 77 days in N P K applied plots. The highest shelf life of 8.5 days was also recorded for the same treatment. With regard to the soil microbial count at different intervals of crop growth, the treatment receiving jeevamrutham and mulching resulted in the highest bacterial and fungal count where as the neem cake application resulted in the highest count of actinomycetes. All the micro organisms were minimum in the treatments receiving chemical fertilizers. Statistical analysis by Kendall’s test by ranks of the acceptability score revealed that there was significant variation among the treatments in the quality attributes of fruits. The highest score for appearance and colour was also recorded in the treatment receiving panchagavyam followed by the one receiving fish amino acid. The overall acceptability was also more for the fruits from the organically treated plots. The treatment receiving Adhoc POP was found to be significantly superior to other treatments in getting higher gross income, net return and B:C ratio followed by the present POPThesisItem Open Access Effect of organic sprays and bunch cover on yield and quality of banana (Musa AAB) nendran(Department of pomology and floriculture, College of agriculture, Vellayani, 2014) Sreejith Kumar, V P; KAU; Jayachandran Nair, C SThe investigations on “Effect of organic sprays and bunch cover on yield and quality of banana (Musa AAB) Nendran” were conducted in the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram during 2012-2013. The objective of the investigation was to evaluate the effect of various organic sprays and bunch cover on yield and quality of banana variety Nendran. The experiment was done in randomized block design (RBD) with eleven treatments and three replications. The treatments includes T1 (control, without any spray or bunch covering), T2 (water spray at 15 and 30 days after bunch emergence) T3 (panchagavyam, 3.0 per cent spray at 30 days after bunch emergence) T4 (panchagavyam, 3.0 per cent spray at 15 and 30 days after bunch emergence), T5 (vermiwash, 10.0 per cent spray at 30 days after bunch emergence), T6 (vermiwash, 10.0 per cent spray at 15 and 30 days after bunch emergence) T7 (cow’s urine, 10.0 per cent spray at 30 days after bunch emergence) T8 (cow’s urine, 10.0 per cent spray at 15 and 30 days after bunch emergence), T9 (jeevamrutham, 3.0 per cent spray at 30 days after bunch emergence), T10 (jeevamrutham, 3.0 per cent spray at 15 and 30 days after bunch emergence) and T11 (K2SO4, 3.0 per cent spray at 15 and 30 days after bunch emergence). All the treatments except control was having bunch covering. The investigations revealed that jeevamrutham 3.0 per cent bunch spray 15 and 30 days after emergence and bunch covering recorded the maximum bunch weight (7.72 kg/plant). The second hand weight, fruit length, fruit weight, pulp weight, pulp percentage, pulp: peel ratio and shelf life were also superior. The treatment also showed superiority with respect to quality attributes such as TSS, reducing sugars, sweetness, flavour, texture, firmness, colour of fruit as well as overall acceptability. Absence of skin blemishes and spray residues were also observed. The treatment also recorded higher net profit and B/C ratio (2.06). K2SO4 (3.0 per cent) bunch spray 2 and 4 weeks after bunch emergence and bunch covering resulted in higher bunch weight (7.69 kg/plant), weight of hand, fruit weight, fruit length, fruit girth, pulp percentage, pulp: peel ratio and shelf life with lesser bunch maturity period. Quality attributes were higher in this treatment. Skin blemishes and spray residues were absent. Net profit and B/C ratio (2.06) were also higher for this treatment. Treatment T8 (Cow’s urine 10.0 per cent bunch spray 15 and 30 days after emergence and bunch covering) was also superior to other treatments with respect to bunch weight (7.33 kg/plant) and weight of hand. Length, girth and weight of fruits, pulp weight, pulp: peel ratio, shelf life and quality attributes were also higher in this treatment. The above mentioned treatments (T10, T11 and T8) were superior to other treatments but did not differ significantly among them in most of the characters studied. Therefore, these three treatments can be recommended for improvement of yield and quality of bunches of banana variety Nendran.